Kristi Noem: Padilla ‘Created a Scene' at DHS Event
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave her first extended remarks Thursday evening after a dramatic scene unfolded at a Los Angeles press conference, where Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed by federal agents.
In an interview with Fox News' The Story, Noem described Padilla's behavior as 'completely inappropriate,' alleging that the senator failed to identify himself, disrupted the press event, and 'lunged' toward the podium.
'This man burst into a room, started lunging toward the podium, interrupting me and elevating his voice,' Noem told host Martha MacCallum. 'He was stopped. He did not identify himself. He was removed from the room.'
'After he interrupted our press conference with law enforcement, I met with Senator Padilla for 15 minutes,' she wrote.
'We probably disagree on 90% of the topics but we agreed to exchange phone numbers and we will continue to talk—that is the way it should be in this country.'
'I wish he would've acted that way in the beginning rather than creating a scene.'
The incident occurred while Noem was addressing federal action being taken in response to left-wing mobilization that escalated into riots across parts of Los Angeles.
Sen. Padilla later claimed he was in the federal building to receive a briefing and was attempting to conduct 'Congressional oversight' when he was forcibly removed, handcuffed, and temporarily detained.
Gov. Gavin Newsom responded to the incident by accusing federal authorities of overreach and blaming former President Donald Trump's influence on federal law enforcement.
'@SenAlexPadilla is one of the most decent people I know,' Newsom posted on X. 'This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now.'
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson disputed Padilla's account, stating that the senator was not wearing his Senate security pin, failed to identify himself, and ignored repeated commands from federal officers.
'Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem,' the DHS statement read. 'Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers' repeated commands. @SecretService thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately.'
Noem, who did not react during the disruption, continued her press conference and later characterized the private discussion with Padilla as productive. Her remarks suggest a willingness to engage in bipartisan dialogue—so long as it is conducted through proper channels.
The Department of Homeland Security has ramped up its presence in Los Angeles in response to days of unrest tied to anti-ICE protests and far-left demonstrations, some of which have turned violent. Noem has positioned the agency's role as one of restoring order and countering what she called 'socialist and burdensome leadership' in California.
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